Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Play?
A: "Play is the active engagement in pleasurable activities" (Quill, 2000). It is through play that children learn.

Q: Why should I waste my time teaching my child to play when I could be teaching my child to talk?
A: Through play skills, children learn communication, cognition, and social skills.

Q: How do I teach my child to play?
A: Look at the child’s current level of play, choose an activity, and develop a sequence of skills to be taught.

Q: How do I know what play skills to teach my child?
A: Observe your child and see how he or she is playing with toys and others.

Q: Can I teach my child play skills in a structured way?
A: Yes, many children with ASD need a structured environment to learn how to play.

Q: Do I need a special set of toys or materials?
A: No. Use the toys you find in your home or classroom.

Q: Who can teach my child play skills?
A: Parents, teachers, or siblings can all take part in teaching your child play skills.

Q: Do I need special training to teach my child play skills?
A: No, planning is the key to teaching play skills. Many of the resources in this topic will help you teach play skills.